The Law of Averages dictates that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.

The Law of Averages dictates that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.

Posted on October 30, 2017

The Law of Averages dictates that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.

This concept was central to my speech at the Golden Key International Honour Society’s function at the University of Wollongong. The Law of Averages theory was originally coined by Jim Rohn, a successful entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker, who mentored one of my personal favorites Tony Robbins.

While the theory was first conceived before the internet connected us in ways that Rohn couldn’t have possibly imagined, it amazingly still stays true to this day and to anyone reading this in the future.

I thought this was important especially considering my audience for the night. The Golden Key Society is the world's largest collegiate honor society. They offer spots to students in the top 15% at each of their associated universities.

Some of the values that the Golden Key Society embody include integrity, innovation, respect, collaboration and diversity; which are all key principles I try to live my life by as well. These values are why I thought it was important to communicate with young students about the significance of who you let take up the most central parts of your life.

Looking back on the journey I have taken I can see how I’ve had to rely on the support of a lot of good people to get me where I am today. Whether it was in university; my time at Speedmaster; or getting Devika off the ground, the five closest people in my life at those times played a major part and shaped who I am today.

Some of these people may never change and can be a constant influence in life, which is epitomized for me by my parents. Not only was I able to get emotional and financial support from them growing up but my parents are also successful entrepreneurs in their own right. If I have a problem when it comes to running my own company, I know I can turn to them as they have probably lived it a very long time ago and have a lot of insight to share.

Another constant is my wife Rebeka who has been my partner for ten years and has been by my side during many of life’s ups and downs. Her personality and character have played a large part in who I am today.

When I founded Devika I did not know what I wanted to do but I knew what I wanted Devika to be – a company founded on values. These beliefs became solidified in Devika’s seven values:

1. Listen to Understand
2. Lead with Integrity
3. Be Yourself
4. Be Courageous
5. Support Each Other
6. Explore
7. Continuously Improve

The people that have been closest to me throughout my life have contributed to shaping these values. From here this helped me to develop the four pillars on which I run my business. These are helping people, being conscious of the planet, pushing boundaries, which all contribute to making a profit.

I wouldn’t have been able to develop these values and pillars without the influence of the closest people in my life. This is why I believe it was important to explain on the evening to young students that it makes a difference who you let influence your life as it could have easily gone the other way for me if I made poor decisions about who I listened to.

This is a good rule of thumb not just for the Golden Key Society but for anyone reading this. Take a moment to think about the five closest people in your life and if you want them influencing you. You can read more about Ken Kencevski at the founder's blog.